Muskingum survives epic clash against Alma

NEW CONCORD In the 29 years head coach Donna Newberry has guided the Muskingum College softball program, the Lady Muskie history book has grown so large it needs its own library.

On Saturday afternoon in the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional Tournament, several pages were added to that storied softball chronicle as Muskingum topped postseason rival Alma (Mich.) College, 2-1, in perhaps one of the greatest games ever played in this neck of the woods.

From an extra puff of air by Mother Nature in the seventh inning to the heroics of a batter who had gone o-fer in her first five trips to the plate, Muskingums game was nothing short of amazing.

This is one of the best games Ive ever coached in...in the years Ive been coaching, Newberry stated. I think I aged five years on the bench. This was very draining. Alma played a great game, but I felt like it was a game we deserved to win. Our kids were so mentally disciplined today. I really felt like somebody would lose it, but we ended up winning it, which makes it all the more better.

Alma (31-5) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth. Junior catcher Erin Carson started things with a one-out single to right field. After being sacrificed to second by junior shortstop Stephanie Smith, senior left fielder Julie Wiest ripped an RBI single to right.

Muskingum had scoring chances in the fifth and sixth innings. Senior Mandy Carnes belted a leadoff double in the fifth, but was stranded at second. In the sixth, the Lady Muskies had runners on second and third with one out, but squandered their opportunity.

The Lady Muskies finally dented the scoreboard in the seventh as Carnes hit what seemed to be a deep flyout to lead off the frame. However, a sharp gust of wind guided the ball off of Wiests glove at the top of the left field fence and onto the other side.

I knew it was now or never time, Carnes stated. I had to get my team through. I wanted to do my part. All we have to do now is go back out and play like we did today. Weve got to get beat twice now.

In the ninth inning, the Scots had a golden scoring chance as junior right fielder Kelly Schmuckal hit a leadoff infield single. However, Muskingum freshman catcher Jackie Props picked off Schmuckal at first, which was big because Carson followed with a double. Carson moved to third on a groundout, but was stranded there.

Both teams got a runner aboard in the 12th, but neither squad cashed in.

Muskingum finally put something together in the bottom of the 14th. Junior second baseman Erin Calabrese lined a sharp single to left and freshman left fielder Elaine Haubner followed with a single to center. Carnes then hit into a fielders choice, moving both runners into scoring position.

With the stage set for sophomore designated player Nicole Blubaugh, who had gone 0-for-5 to that point, she belted a 1-0 pitch into left-center field to plate Calabrese and start the celebration.

I knew I had to get a hit, Blubaugh stated. I hadnt been hitting the ball all day. We knew it would be a tough game. (Leigh Ann) LaFave locates the ball really well. In the dugout, I told (pitching coach) Jen Segner I was going to hit a gap shot and fortunately, I came through.

Newberry praised Blubaugh for not getting down on herself.

Nicoles an athlete that responds to challenges, Newberry noted. Where some players may duck into a manhole and pull the cover over...Blu is a tough-minded competitor.

Morgan Martin pitched the first 13 innings. She gave up one run on eight hits, struck out 10 and walked one. Erica Hoyt (20-1) gained the win in relief. She finished with one K.

Newberry said she debated on whether to take Martin out for a few innings.

I felt like I couldnt take her through the meat of the order again, Newberry noted. She was losing her velocity a little bit, but what can you say about her performance.? She pitched well today.

Martin said she knew her team would come through.

I was disappointed to come out because I have confidence in myself, but I know it was a very hard decision for coach Newberry. Erica can do it as well as I can and I knew shed get it done.

Theres not really a description to describe the feeling I have right now. Its amazing.